Land Use

2019-2020 Legislative Objectives

Background / Problem

Land development and construction are a critical part of Washington’s economy. While building and construction in some communities are enjoying a strong recovery, the same cannot be said for other parts of Washington state. The complex and burdensome land use and environmental regulatory system threatens the fragile recovery in these areas, while contributing to the lack of industrial zoned land and housing affordability in those areas with rapid economic growth. The current regulatory system creates uncertainty and can be needlessly complex and duplicative. In addition, recent decisions to expand the scope of state environmental reviews to include climate impacts outside the state’s jurisdiction has also introduced unnecessary ambiguity.

Objectives

AWB supports the following objectives for the upcoming legislative session:

1. The protection of vesting laws and oppose any new erosion or curtailment of vesting rights.